OTTAWA — Ottawa city officials told county commissioners Monday that a urban growth agreement benefits both sides. Opponents urged the county to overturn the agreement. City Commissioner Blake Jorgensen says the agreement will prevent problems in the long-term. He compared the planning agreement to good dentistry – it’s dull and requires a long time of effort, but the process is absolutely necessary for the good health of the community. However, Butch Riddle and Phil Messenger, who live southwest of the city, expressed opposition to the agreement. Riddle filed a formal protest petition against the most recent series of rezoing by the city, which includes Riddle’s property. He said he doesn’t want the city to be in charge of planning and zoning matters concerning his property and he asked county commissioners to reject the city’s action. The rezoning converted properties from county zoning categories to comparable city zoning categories, city officials said. City attorney Bob Bezek told county commissioners that the deal, which allows the city to handle most planning and zoning matters in an area just outside the city, was worked on by both sides for several years before it went into effect. City planning and codes director Wynndee Lee said the city has received only one formal protest – which was from Riddle – and few complaints from residents in the area. The county will have a public hearing on the agreement the evening of Jan. 23.
Tuesday, Jan. 10, 3 p.m.
